Youths swept out to sea rescued — twice

The Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department responded to two ocean rescue emergencies at Big River Beach this week. Both calls involved juveniles who were swept out to sea and were unable to return to the beach due to strong current.

The first dispatch was on April 9 shortly after 1 p.m. Two 15-year-old males were reported missing for approximately 45 minutes. Nineteen firefighters responded, and the MVFD launched two jet skis.

The victims were found in a cove on the Northern end of Big River. They had boogie boards with them, but the strong current swept them out to sea and into the remote cove. Rescue swimmers assisted the victims onto rescue sleds attached to the jet skis, skis carried the victims to the beach. Mendocino Coast Hospital ambulance, CALFIRE, Coast Guard, Fish and Game, State Parks, REACH air ambulance and the Sheriff’s Department were involved with the rescue.

The second dispatch was on April 10 around 3 p.m.. Two juveniles were floating on inflatable tubes near the mouth of Big River when were carried out to sea by the current. A bystander, Mendocino’s Daniel Casey, alerted the family and directed them to call for help while he removed his clothes and jumped into the ocean to assist the two victims. One of the juveniles made it back to shore with the assistance of her family. The current swept the second child, Casey, and his dog into the same remote cove as the day before. The current was swift, and the surf was too strong to swim back to the beach.

Seventeen firefighters responded, and two jet skis were launched and retrieved the two people and the dog. Mendocino Coast Hospital ambulance, CALFIRE, State Parks, Mendocino Coast District Hospital Ambulance, and REACH air ambulance supported the rescue. Sonoma County Sheriff’s Henry 1 helicopter was also dispatched but was cancelled in route.

The ocean is powerful and unpredictable. Cold water temperatures, large waves, sudden drop offs and dangerous rip currents can suddenly turn a fun day at the beach or on shoreline cliffs into an emergency. Both of these rescues involved people from out of the area that may not have been familiar with local conditions. As a “local”, If you see someone starting to enter the water when it is not safe, advise them of the dangers. If you see people in trouble, call 9-1- 1. Have someone keep eyes on the person and try not to lose sight of the victim until help arrives. If you are within throwing distance, throw the victim something that floats. If you call 9-1- 1 please stay available at the scene for contact by first responders.